The Milwaukee Bucks have a chance to steal a victory from one of many prime groups within the Eastern Conference, they host the drained and diminished Cleveland Cavaliers tonight at Fiserv Forum.

Cleveland (37-22), in rivalry for a prime three seed, beat the New York Knicks on Feb. 24 in Ohio. After flying into Milwaukee after the sport, the Cavaliers dominated out MVP candidate Donovan Mitchell and reigning defensive participant of the 12 months Evan Mobley. All-star James Harden is questionable to play.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Cam Thomas (24) finds an open teammate during the second half of their game Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Miami Heat 128-117.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Cam Thomas (24) finds an open teammate throughout the second half of their recreation Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Miami Heat 128-117.

One participant who will swimsuit up for Cleveland is level guard Dennis Schröder, who was acquired on the deadline from Sacramento. The 32-year-old is commonly a thorn within the facet of the Bucks, and he scored 24 factors in a Kings victory over the Bucks early within the season.

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The Bucks are additionally playing on the second night of a back-to-back, although they slept in their very own beds after beating Miami at home. They have gained seven of their final 9 video games.

Milwaukee (25-31) stays out of the postseason image completely, nonetheless, sitting in 11th place within the East.

The Bucks have overwhelmed groups with successful data in consecutive video games solely twice this season, with wins over Golden State and New York (Oct. 28-30) and Orlando and Oklahoma City (Feb. 11-12).

And, the Bucks even have struggled towards groups that don’t have their stars. They misplaced twice to Denver with out all-stars Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray (and much more starters), misplaced to Minnesota with out all-stars Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert and even Portland with out starters Jrue Holiday and Shaedon Sharpe. They additionally misplaced to Philadelphia twice with out Joel Embiid and Paul George on a minute restrict.

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Is Giannis playing?

No.

Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo remains to be ramping up in his rehab from a Jan. 23 soleus pressure in his proper calf, which he self-diagnosed as a four- to six-week injury. Antetokounmpo has achieved “live” apply work with teammates and coaches after the group returned residence from New Orleans starting on Feb. 21.

Before the sport towards Miami, Bucks coach Doc Rivers stated Antetokounmpo has not gone five-on-five however doesn’t must. Rivers additionally added the two-time MVP has not suffered any setbacks with the injury.

More: What does Giannis Antetokounmpo want? He wants to retire with the Milwaukee Bucks

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What is the Bucks report with out Giannis?

10-16

Milwaukee is 15-15 when Antetokounmpo performs any variety of minutes.

Cavaliers on scorching streak since buying and selling for James Harden

Cleveland, which was the No. 1 seed within the Eastern Conference final 12 months with 64 wins, doubled down its roster heading into this season with the most costly group within the NBA. But, because the commerce deadline approached in early February, the group had fallen wanting expectations. So, they started shedding wage and expertise, most notably homegrown all-star guard Darius Garland.

They shipped the injured 26-year-old to the Los Angeles Clippers for 36-year-old all-star guard James Harden and acquired a right away increase, successful 5 straight and 6 of seven heading into the sport towards the Bucks.

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But Harden did endure a fracture in his proper (non-shooting) thumb towards the Knicks on Feb. 24.

Harden has been strong since arriving in Cleveland, averaging 18.9 factors on 48.8% taking pictures from behind the 3-point line whereas additionally averaging 8.0 assists. His presence has rejuvenated all-star heart Jarrett Allen, who has averaged 20.4 factors on 76.7% taking pictures because the level guard’s arrival. Before Harden becoming a member of the group, Allen averaged 13.9 factors on 60% taking pictures in his first 40 video games.

  • Taurean Prince, out (neck surgical procedure)

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo, out (proper calf pressure)

Milwaukee Bucks possible starters

  • Guards: Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, AJ Green

Cavaliers injury report

  • Max Strus, out (left foot surgical procedure)

  • Donovan Mitchell, out (proper groin pressure)

  • Evan Mobley, out (left calf injury administration)

  • James Harden, questionable (proper thumb fracture)

What time is the Bucks recreation?

Tip-off is schedule for 7 p.m. CT.

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What channel is the Bucks recreation on?

The recreation will likely be simulcast domestically on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin and WMLW The M with Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson and Melanie Ricks on the decision.

Bucks vs. Cavaliers odds

Cleveland is an 8.5-point favourite over Milwaukee with the over/beneath set at 228.5 factors, per BetMGM.

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Milwaukee Bucks beat the Miami Heat 128-117

Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (7) is fouled by Miami Heat heart Kel’el Ware (7) throughout the second half of their recreation Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Miami Heat 128-117.

This article initially appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Bucks injury report: Is Giannis playing tonight vs. Cavs?



Sources